Frankel breaks new ground as Miss storms to impressive success

South Africa has limited resources when it comes to offspring of the mighty Frankel which helps to explain its relatively late arrival to the global party on Wednesday.

In January Miss Frankel became the sire's first runner in the country and added the distinction of recording his first South African winner when she put up an impressive performance to beat 13 rivals in a five-furlong fillies' maiden at Scottsville on her seasonal reappearance.

Starting at 8-15 favourite, she was in front after 100 yards and stretched right away in the final furlong to beat 18-1 second-placed Flo Joyner by four and a half lengths without rider Anton Marcus even showing her the whip. She has a ground-devouring stride not dissimilar to that of her famous sire.

Four-time champion Marcus said: "Despite the fact that it was only a maiden, there was a fair amount of pressure riding a filly like this with a massive reputation. She got a bit fractious at the start but all’s well that ends well."

Miss Frankel is the only Frankel offspring to race in South Africa so far and is bred in the purple being out of champion sprinter and triple Group 1 winner Val De Ra.

Trainer Dennis Drier, who described himself as "shell-shocked" after her defeat on debut, said: "Nothing went right for her that day but I think it was just stage fright. She has had a couple of little setbacks since – nothing serious – but this was the Miss Frankel I know at home and this time she showed it on the course.

"She's not like her mother. She could be a little bit excitable and that's one of the reasons we've gone very slowly with this one."

Quizzed about plans, Drier would only say: "Let’s get over this race. Then we'll take it one race at a time."

South Africa is effectively prevented from taking northern hemisphere stallions on a shuttle basis owing to strict quarantine regulations surrounding the control of African Horse Sickness.

Miss Frankel was bred by her owners, Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm, while in January four mares and their Frankel yearlings were offered at the Cape Premier sale following a deal between Coolmore and Klawervlei Stud.

Frankel around the world

The sire's first winner in ten countries

Britain Cunco, May 13, 2016
The first of his famous father's progeny to make it to the racecourse, Cunco arrived at Newbury to much fanfare and media attention. He made the perfect start, winning cosily, and has since struck at Group 3 level.

France Toulifaut, July 9, 2016
Toulifaut struck at the first time of asking at Clairefontaine and won her next two starts, including a Group 3 contest.

Japan Soul Stirring, July 31 2016
Out of Stacelita, who won six times at the highest level, Soul Stirring made a deep impression when winning on debut at Sapporo and went on to provide Frankel with a first Classic success courtesy of victory in the Japanese Oaks.

Ireland San Remo, April 12, 2017
The half-brother to top-level winners Dubawi Heights and Make Believe got off the mark at the fourth attempt, winning a Dundalk maiden under trainer Aidan O'Brien's son Donnacha.

Germany King's Advice, May 25, 2017
King's Advice provided Frankel with a first success from a first runner in Germany as the son of Group 1 winner Queen's Logic won at Dortmund.

USA Rubilinda, May 27, 2017
Showed a stunning turn of foot to cut through from last and win a 6f maiden special weight on debut by over three lengths. She was purchased in utero along with her dam Rubina for 475,000gns in 2013.

Chile Bertolina Fran, June 16, 2017
Bertolina Fran gave Frankel a first winner in South America when staying on strongly to win readily on debut at Club Hipico de Santiago.

Argentina Quiet Star, June 30, 2017
Improved on debut third to register a commanding six-length success at San Isidro.

Australia Merovee, August 15, 2017
Started repaying his hefty price tag when winning at Newcastle, with connections hopeful he will develop into a top-class colt in time.

South AfricaMiss Frankel, August 23, 2017
Recovered from shock debut defeat to run out a wide-margin winner at Scottsville in thrilling style.

If you are interested in this, you might also like:

Frankel fever strikes as star sire has first winner down under

Soul Stirring a first Classic winner for Frankel

Black Caviar daughter Oscietra obliges on second start